Philippe Hugonnard

"My photographs establish a link between urban reality and the reality I imagine."

The photographic artist Philippe Hugonnard, born in Switzerland, creates his unique artworks by mixing several digital media. As a child, he spent hours and hours drawing and observing the world around him, fascinated by how light and shadows could transform an ordinary scene into something magical. Through the lens of his first camera, he captured and explored those fleeting moments of beauty and emotion that often go unnoticed.

Tell us about yourself, who are you?

I'm a French photographic artist, born in 1972 in Geneva, Switzerland. I create unique photos and artworks by mixing several digital media. My photographs establish a link between urban reality and the reality I imagine. My photographic work focuses on concrete issues that determine our existence. By focusing on architecture and landscapes from around the world, I seek to render the enormous complexity of the world in simple forms, awakening the viewer's imagination and leading them to construct their own story from the clues and elements captured in the image. My work is characterized by the use of various digital media to draw the eye to the essential part of fine art photography. By exploring the concept of landscape in a nostalgic way, I investigate the dynamics of landscape, including the manipulation of its effects.

What are your artistic influences?

Since my youth, I have always loved the photographs of the famous American photographer Ansel Adams. He has created superb black and white photo collections, mainly of the American West. I think my sources of inspiration come from there, because I also love creating series about the United States.

What inspired you to start working with art?

For as long as I can remember, I've always been drawn to visual arts. As a child, I would spend hours drawing and observing the world around me, fascinated by how light and shadows could transform an ordinary scene into something magical. My interest in photography truly took off when I received my first camera. This tool allowed me to capture and explore those fleeting moments of beauty and emotion that often go unnoticed. What inspired me to work with art, and specifically with photography, is the power to tell stories without words, to capture unique moments, and to share them with others. Photography allows me to communicate feelings, atmospheres, and visual narratives in a way that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers. Every click of the shutter is an opportunity to freeze a fragment of time, create a lasting memory, and connect people through a shared vision of beauty and reality. My inspiration also comes from the everyday moments of life, travels, and the people I meet. The diversity of the world and its countless perspectives offer an endless source of creativity and motivation to continue exploring and refining my art.

When do you feel the most creative?

I feel most creative when I am immersed in new environments or when I discover new perspectives. Traveling and exploring new places often give me a burst of inspiration because I am exposed to different landscapes, cultures, and atmospheres. These experiences enrich my vision and make me eager to capture and share these unique moments through my lens.

“California Dreaming” is much more than just a collection of images; it is an immersive sensory experience, an invitation to explore the infinite beauty of nature through the delicate nuances of pastel colors."

What inspires your expression?

Travel and new experiences are also fundamental to my artistic expression. Discovering new places, cultures, and traditions broadens my horizons and provides me with a fresh perspective of the world, which I integrate into my work. These moments of wonder and discovery fuel my creativity and compel me to experiment and innovate in my approach. Furthermore, other forms of art, such as painting, also influence my work. These artistic disciplines bring me new ideas and perspectives, allowing me to see things from a different angle and expand my creative palette. The fusion of these diverse inspirations contribute to the originality and depth of my artistic expression.

Please describe the process when creating your artworks; how do you do, what tools do you use? Take us through all the steps

It all starts with a source of inspiration, which can come from various experiences, observations, or emotions. Once I have identified an idea or concept I want to work on, I begin to mentally conceptualize the artwork I want to create. Once I have clarified my concept, I move on to the planning phase. This often includes selecting locations, planning trips, studio shoots, all depending on the theme of the final collection. During the photo shoots, I use my Nikon cameras to capture the images that will form the basis of my work. This may involve manipulating light, angles, and compositions to achieve the desired result. I strive to remain open to unforeseen circumstances and opportunities that arise during the shoot, while staying true to my initial vision. Once the images are captured, I move on to the crucial post-production phase. This includes sorting and selecting the best images, as well as making adjustments to color, contrast, and brightness to achieve the desired effect. I may also use digital retouching techniques with Photoshop or artificial intelligence software that complement the creation of a final collection.
Finally, once my collection is complete, I present and share it with the public. This can be done through online publications, my social networks, or other artistic platforms. I appreciate the reactions and comments of the audience, which can enrich my understanding of my own work and motivate me for future projects.

Overall, my artistic creation process is a creative and iterative journey, where each step contributes to shaping the final result. I use a combination of tools and techniques, ranging from my camera and editing software to my own creativity and intuition, to bring my ideas to life and express my artistic vision.

What does a day in your life look like?

If I'm not traveling for my shoots, I usually wake up around 8 am and have breakfast to recharge my batteries. Then, I dedicate a large part of my time to pure artistic creation, which includes exploring new techniques, experimenting with creative ideas, or developing new collections in front of my computers. At the end of the day, I take time to relax. This could be a workout session at the gym, some time watching TV, or simply spending time with my family.

Can you please tell the specific story behind one or some of your motifs in your Printler gallery? Or maybe the collection itself, in your case.

Palm Springs. This is where the story of my collection of images “California Dreaming” begins, a captivating celebration of the enchanting beauty and iconic heritage of this emblematic destination of the American West. During one of my trips to the American West, I fell in love with this city, and I have always wanted to create a collection with pastel colors evoking timeless glamour and retro style. The creation of this collection took me several months of work, as I combined several methods such as the use of my digital photographs, Photoshop retouching, and also artificial intelligence.
In the end, beyond purely visual beauty, the collection also evokes an atmosphere of tranquility and serenity. The soothing pastel colors invite the viewer to relax, to breathe deeply, and to be carried away by the magic of these timeless landscapes.
This collection transports the viewer into a world of sweetness and reverie at the heart of the Wild West.

Wanna add something? Go wild and tell us whatever!

In the coming months, stay tuned, as my future collections promise to capture your imagination and take you on an extraordinary sensory journey!